With the support of the HTA, the hugely successful Retail Lab is set to be bigger in 2018, whilst over the coming months Glee will be working with the market to present ‘The Retail Lab in Practice’ – showcasing the different ways retailers have taken Retail Lab concepts and ideas, and implemented them in their own retail environments.

New location & increased footprint at NEC

The exhibition itself will also be benefitting from a complete relocation into NEC halls 6,7,8, 19-20, providing the show with a much bigger footprint, and an even larger and more exciting exhibition. Exhibitors will be able to relocate, whilst visitors will be walking an updated floorplan; discovering new products and companies at every turn.

The overall effect will be a refreshed, revitalised event, as Matthew Mein, Glee Event Director explains: “Glee has been growing at a significant rate – for example we had over 200 new brands join us at the 2017 event - and that means we’ve outgrown our current home. Glee has successfully relocated before, and we believe that this next move will be received with the same level of industry support. Not only will the exhibition be able to better accommodate more exhibitors and visitors, but its refreshed layout will breathe new life into the show. This move is inspired by the way that retailers keep their store interesting for customers by constantly revising the layout. This way customers discover more, and ultimately spend more – something we know our exhibitors and visitors want to replicate during their time at Glee.”

Bigger content programme with more high-profile speakers

Glee’s added value content, such as the Seminar Theatre, will also be getting an upgrade in 2018, including a relocation in hall 8. With an increase in visitors to the theatre of 30% year-on-year, Glee will be working to bring even more high-profile speakers to the stage in 2018.

Matthew continues: “Building more content to help support the continuous growth of gardening in the UK will be a key theme of the 2018 event. Garden retailing is continuing to buck the trend, with growth for both garden retailers and suppliers continuing to grab the headlines. At Glee 2018 look out for more features, seminar sessions and year-round information relating to trends, merchandising and practical advice on ways to build better business, whilst also tackling the most burning issues set to affect the industry in the years ahead.”

New Products relocate to main floorspace

Glee 2018 will see even more focus on new products, including the New Product Showcase – created in partnership with Garden Trade News - relocating to the main floorspace.

Pets

Pet products and suppliers will be benefitting from enhancements in 2018. Bigger and better than ever before, this dedicated area of Glee will benefit from its own entrance that will drive retailers right into the heart of the pet area, to a special pet care seminar stage, the new look ‘Pets @ Glee’ will be a hub of information, exciting new products and business advice that will enable garden retailers to tap into this thriving sector. PetQuip has also confirmed that it will be continuing its support, bringing with it a pet focused Buyers Connect networking event. These special 10-minute speed networking sessions will place pet suppliers directly in front of buyers from key garden retailers. These retailers are actively looking for new and innovative pet product suppliers, and for many Buyers Connect will be the place where long-term and profitable relationships are forged.